Tape Recorders and Characteristics of Tape (Technical Knowledge - A Level Music Technology)

This is an in-depth exploration of the characteristics of tape, and the nature of recordings made with tape. This resource also explores all of the essential knowledge pupils require regarding the anatomy of a tape machine, and also an introduction to the editing process when recording with tape.

This resource is a great way to improve pupils’ (and teachers’) knowledge and understanding of a technology that is rarely practised but is an essential part of the specification.

Includes:

• Magnetic Tape anatomy
• Tape Machine anatomy
• Tape head develops and explanation
• AC Bias
• Saturation + Soft Clipping
• Drift, Wow, and Flutter
• Print-through
• Cross-talk

This resource is also an excellent companion to the upcoming ‘Sound of Popular Music’ series, in which the historical context of this tape technology is explored in more detail, providing pupils with a solid foundation upon which to build high quality extended answers, rich in both technical and contextual information.